Chicago-area nurses holding one-day strike against Prime Healthcare

Nurses at a Chicago-area hospital run by Prime Healthcare are striking on Thursday. 

Staff members are accusing the company of unfairly retaliating against several nurses by planning a one-day strike.

Nurses joined the picket line at 7 a.m. at Nazareth Hospital on the Northwest Side.

Just a few days ago, Prime Healthcare drew criticism after announcing plans to cut obstetrics services at three area hospitals, including St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, and Resurrection Medical Center in Norwood Park.

The suspension of services would happen on October 1, and the plan is to consolidate those services to two hospitals.

U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood, whose district includes Mercy Medical Center, questioned the hospital system, saying it didn't appear to have made adequate preparations for such rapid closures.

A Prime Healthcare spokesperson said, "We remain committed to listening, engaging, and addressing concerns in the best interests of our patients and community." 

A Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital spokesperson released the following statement: 

"Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital is committed to bargaining in good faith with the union representing some of its nurses, with the goal of reaching an agreement that supports our employees while protecting our ability to provide safe, high-quality care to the patients and community we serve. Despite both parties having yet to begin exchanging proposals, the union has elected to proceed with a strike. This decision is particularly concerning given the extraordinary demands currently being placed on healthcare providers. Regardless of the union's actions, the hospital will remain fully open and appropriately staffed with qualified healthcare professionals to ensure patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care. The planned one-day strike is not expected to disrupt patient care, and our hospital will continue providing the essential services our community depends on. Our priority is clear: caring for our patients, supporting our employees, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital has served this community for generations, and we will continue to be here when our patients and community need us most."  

Later Thursday afternoon, the nurses union gathered outside Olympia Fields Hospital to call for the reinstatement of a group of nurses. These nurses are not on strike but instead just rallying in support of the workers, the union said.

An Olympia Fields Hospital spokesperson released the following statement: 

"Olympia Fields Hospital remains focused on providing safe, high-quality care to our patients and serving our community. We respect the rights of our nurses to organize and engage in protected activity. During the event, we will ensure patients continue to receive the care and services they depend upon."